Monsoon set to return to Delhi, heavy rain across Himalayan states

Delhi, which has experienced long dry spells interspersed with isolated showers in recent weeks, is expected to see frequent rain beginning Sunday.Monsoon revival is likely to bring down temperatures and improve air quality in Delhi. (PTI photo)After weeks of subdued monsoon activity across large parts of North India, the southwest monsoon is expected to make a strong comeback from Sunday, bringing widespread rainfall to Delhi and triggering a prolonged wet spell across the northern plains and the Himalayan region.Weather models from both the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and leading international forecasting agencies indicate that rainfall activity will increase significantly over the next several days as multiple weather systems become active simultaneously.Delhi, which has experienced long dry spells interspersed with isolated showers in recent weeks, is expected to see frequent rain beginning Sunday. The revival is likely to bring down daytime temperatures, improve air quality and ease the persistent humid conditions across the National Capital Region. The wet spell is expected to extend across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and most of the northeastern states. Many of these regions are forecast to receive widespread moderate to heavy rainfall, helping reduce seasonal rainfall deficits accumulated during the recent monsoon pause. The most intense rainfall, however, is expected over the Himalayan foothills, particularly in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and parts of Jammu and Kashmir, where isolated locations could receive more than 200 mm of rain in a short period. Such rainfall amounts significantly increase the risk of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and sudden rises in river levels.Meteorologists attribute the revival to the formation of a fresh low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, strengthened monsoon winds and the northward shift of the monsoon trough. The interaction of these systems with the Himalayan terrain is expected to enhance rainfall, especially along the foothills.While the rains will be beneficial for agriculture, replenishing reservoirs and boosting kharif crops, they could also disrupt daily life in vulnerable regions. Mountain roads may witness landslides and rockfalls, while low-lying urban areas could experience waterlogging and traffic disruptions during periods of intense rainfall.Authorities have advised residents and tourists planning travel to the Himalayan states to monitor weather updates closely and avoid unnecessary journeys through landslide-prone stretches during heavy rainfall.The renewed spell is expected to continue through much of the coming week, marking a significant turnaround after an extended period of below-normal rainfall over several parts of North India. For many states, the coming days could prove crucial in narrowing seasonal rainfall deficits while also demanding heightened preparedness for extreme weather events.- EndsPublished On: Jul 19, 2026 07:00 IST